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Is Oxygen Level Below 90 A Sign Of Sleep Apnea?

Posted on Fri, 14 Feb 2014

Question: I recently participated in a sleep study. I suffer from insomnia.I have not received the results yet but was told that my oxygen level did not go below 90.I have a low resting pulse between 50-65.In November I wore a heart monitor for a month in order to determine if I need a pacemaker. My doctor felt I do not need one.This experience left me very anxious.I am quite active,run 5 days a week,run 20 miles a week.I am concerned as to whether or not I have sleep apnea.specifically,central sleep apnea.

Answered by Dr. Haseena Hamdani (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Sleep apnea is unlikely... Detailed Answer: Hi, Your Oxygen level didn't go below 90, which is good. It shows that you do not have any sleep apnoea - Neither Central nor Obstructive. Your pulse is towards lower side, which could be due to Amlodipin. If your low pulse rate is not giving you any symptoms, and your cardiac evaluation by specialist is within normal parameter, you may not need pace . I would like to know the timings of all your medicines and dosage of aspirin. By doing some changes in timing of medicines, may help you in your sleep. There could be several other causes of insomnia, or merely a fear of Apnoea is contributing your insomnia. You are an active person, Blood pressure is controlled, Sleep study is normal, so with available information to me, I can assure you that, you do not have any major problem. you are welcome for any further query. Enjoy life. Dr H Hamdani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Haseena Hamdani (3 hours later)

Thank you for getting back to me so fast.I take all my medications in the morning.To be honest I made the mistake of going on the internet and read about Central Sleep Apnoea and I feel as though I have some of the symptoms associated with CSA.I am an anxious person to begin with and I have been having a difficult time adjusting to retirement.I have an appointment with the doctor regarding the results of the sleep study and I am anxious about this appointment.My Cardiologist has assured me that my heart is ok but for some reason I"m not convinced.What do you suggest?

Answered by Dr. Haseena Hamdani (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Need to change the timings of medicines Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome Back to XXXXXXX If your cardiologist has evaluated you properly and on that basis, he is saying that your heart is normal, then you should not worry. Just make sure that you go for annual cardiac evaluation, , Retina examination, blood test for Electrolytes, kidney function test, and urine tests to rule out Microalbuminuria, weight management, BP monitoring every three months. Another important thing is that you must take Amlodipin and Bumetenide in the Morning, and Losartan and Doxazocin in the Evening. For Aspirin, you must ask your doctor, if it is really needed? I would not recommend that you should take vitamins and other supplements, if there is no need logically. Your Doctor should know, the vitamins you are taking. Hope , these tips will help you in getting sound sleep. It is very important that your blood pressure remain under control throughout the day. If you are taking altogether, your blood pressure may go suddenly very low, and buy evening, it may go up. Some Doctors prefer to go all at one time, just to increase adherence and compliance for the medicines. In my opinion, if patient understands the benefit of dividing the times, they will still be adherent, and will get maximum benefit. Dr H Hamdani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D